Characterisation, Recovery and Activity of Hydrophobic Compounds in Norway Spruce Log Soaking Pit Water: Could they be Used in Wood Preservative Formulations?

Purpose Norway spruce log soaking water (SLSW) is considered a waste in the plywood and veneer industry but has not been characterised, and its possible uses remain unexplored. The purpose of this study is to characterise and test the possibility of using SLSW in wood preservative formulations. Methods First, the SLSW was characterised, and the presence of carbohydrates in the log soaking water was reduced with a hydrophobic adsorbent to reduce the nutrient availability for fungi in the liquids. Then, the feasibility of using SLSW and the sugar free SLSW (denoted later as EHC solution) as wood preservatives was studied by testing their antifungal and antioxidant activities and performing a mini-block test against Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Fibroporia vaillantii and Gloeophyllum trabeum. Results Several phenolic compounds were found in the SLSW. This water also had high antioxidant activity at 1000 mg/L before and after carbohydrate removal but no antifungal activity. Its impregnation in wood caused a slight reduction in mass loss of the Pinus sylvestris specimens but had no effect on the Fagus sylvatica specimens when exposed against Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Fibroporia vaillantii and Gloeophyllum trabeum. Conclusion The SLSW as a wood preservative is invalid, even after partial carbohydrate removal. However, due to the presence of wood constituents, SLSW could be a resource for other uses requiring high antioxidant activity but specific applications need further investigation. Graphical Abstract

Trametes versicolor. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

A description is provided for Trametes versicolor. Some information on morphological characteristics, its associated organisms and substrata, habitats, economic impacts, dispersal and transmission, conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Africa (Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe.), Antarctica, Asia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Anhui, Gansu, Guangdong, Guanxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjang, Henan, Hong Kong, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol Autonomous Region, Qinghai, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Cyprus, Georgia, India, Assam, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan (Almaty), Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Atlantic Ocean (Bermuda), Australasia (Australia, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, New Zealand), Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico), Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama), Europe (Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK), Indian Ocean (Réunion), North America (Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Mexico, USA, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming), Pacific Ocean (USA, Hawaii), South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Acre, Amazonas, Bahia, Distrito Federal, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraná, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina São Paulo, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela))).

Enzyme profile in samples of bacterial cellulose film treated with Trametes versicolor and Coniophora puteana

Profile of enzymes in samples of bacterial cellulose film treated with Trametes versicolor and Coniophora puteana. The paper presents the results of research showing the profile of hydrolytic enzymes synthesized by fungi that cause decomposition of wood during growth on film samples made of bacterial cellulose. The performed analyzes allowed for the conclusion that the presence of cellulose in the culture medium stimulates the fungal cells to synthesize full groups of enzymes that are not produced on the agarmaltose medium. Among the synthesized enzymes, both species of fungi produced two enzymes: β - glucosidase and N-acetyl-β - glucuronidase with the highest observed activity.

Bioactives from Mushroom: Health Attributes and Food Industry Applications

It is well-known that the utilization of mushrooms as therapeutic agents is not new. Over the past years, they have been used by local individuals as food, as well as medicines, throughout the world. Nowadays, mushrooms are excessively used in the medicine, pharmacy, food, and fermentation fields as well. Wild mushrooms are of particular interest, especially Trametes versicolor (commonly known as turkey mushrooms) due to their various uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They represent not only a huge storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, but they are also an important source of bioactive polysaccharides. They are widely used in traditional oriental therapies. The fruiting bodies are used in the preparation of health tonics and tea. The present review is necessary to explore more about this mushroom-like classical taxonomy, morphology, nutritional value, bioactivity, various health attributes, mechanism of bioactive components against various diseases, and food applications. The influence of processing processes on the nutritional properties and bioactivity of the fungus is discussed. Potential bioactive components promising health attributes of Trametes versicolor are extensively described. Additionally, several in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and Polysaccharide-K (PSK) on the aspects related to immune function and inflammation, also presenting an anticancerous effect. Moreover, PSP and PSK were successfully described to decrease several life-threatening diseases. The potential food applications of Trametes versicolor were detailed to signify the effective utilization of the mushroom in functional food formulation.

Comparative Study on Quality of Fuel Pellets from Switchgrass Treated with Different White-Rot Fungi

Fungal pretreatment of switchgrass using Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PC), Trametes versicolor 52J (TV52J), and the Trametes versicolor mutant strain (m4D) under solid-state fermentation was conducted to improve its pellet quality. For all three fungal strains, the fermentation temperature had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on pellet unit density and tensile strength. The p-values of the quadratic models for all the response variables showed highly significant regression models (p < 0.01) except for dimensional stability. In addition, 3.1-fold and 2.8-fold increase in pellet tensile strength were obtained from P. chrysosporium- and T. versicolor 52J-treated materials, respectively. Microstructural examination showed that fungal pretreatment reduced pores in the pellets and enhanced pellet particle bonding. Among the fungal strains, PC had the shortest optimum fermentation time (21 d) and most positive impact on the pellet tensile strength and hydrophobicity. Therefore, switchgrass pretreatment using PC has the potential for resolving the challenges of switchgrass pellet transportation and storage and reducing the overall pelletization cost. However, a detailed comparative technoeconomic analysis would be required to make definitive cost comparisons.

Laccase-Mediator System Using a Natural Mediator as a Whitening Agent for the Decolorization of Melanin

In this study, a laccase-mediator system (LMS) using a natural mediator was developed as a whitening agent for melanin decolorization. Seven natural mediators were used to replace synthetic mediators and successfully overcome the low redox potential of laccase and limited access of melanin to the active site of laccase. The melanin decolorization activity of laccases from Trametes versicolor (lacT) and Myceliophthora thermophila (lacM) was significantly enhanced using natural mediators including acetosyringone, syringaldehyde, and acetovanillone, which showed low cytotoxicity. The methoxy and ketone groups of natural mediators play an important role in melanin decolorization. The specificity constants of lacT and lacM for melanin decolorization were enhanced by 247 and 334, respectively, when acetosyringone was used as a mediator. LMS using lacM and acetosyringone could also decolorize the melanin present in the cellulose hydrogel film, which mimics the skin condition. Furthermore, LMS could decolorize not only synthetic eumelanin analogs prepared by the oxidation of tyrosine but also natural melanin produced by melanoma cells.

Unambiguous NMR Structural Determination of (+)-Catechin—Laccase Dimeric Reaction Products as Potential Markers of Grape and Wine Oxidation

(+)-Catechin—laccase oxidation dimeric standards were hemi-synthesized using laccase from Trametes versicolor in a water-ethanol solution at pH 3.6. Eight fractions corresponding to eight potential oxidation dimeric products were detected. The fractions profiles were compared with profiles obtained with two other oxidoreductases: polyphenoloxidase extracted from grapes and laccase from Botrytis cinerea. The profiles were very similar, although some minor differences suggested possible dissimilarities in the reactivity of these enzymes. Five fractions were then isolated and analyzed by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The addition of traces of cadmium nitrate in the samples solubilized in acetone-d6 led to fully resolved NMR signals of phenolic protons, allowing the unambiguous structural determination of six reaction products, one of the fractions containing two enantiomers. These products can further be used as oxidation markers to investigate their presence and evolution in wine during winemaking and wine ageing.